Michael Cochran
San Diego,CA
Summary
Sales and marketing leader with over 20 years in hospitality, specializing in market share growth and revenue maximization. Demonstrated success in surpassing sales targets and cultivating high-performing teams. Expertise in innovative marketing strategies that enhance brand visibility. Recognized multiple times as Director of the Year, with a strong commitment to mentorship and leadership development.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Director of Sales, Events & Marketing
Hyatt Regency La Jolla & Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
San Diego, CA
01.2022 - Current
- Lead dual-property sales and events strategy for two Hyatt Regency hotels with different ownership groups, general managers, and sales/event teams — the only role of its kind within the company.
- Drive revenue growth and market share while overseeing all sales, events, and marketing functions across both properties.
- At Hyatt Regency La Jolla: steadily increased group revenue from $6.9M → $7.5M → record-breaking $9.6M (2024).
- At Hyatt Regency Mission Bay: achieved group revenue of $5.9M, followed by a record-breaking $8.7M (2023).
- At Mission Bay, additionally oversee banquets and events operations as well as all business transient accounts.
- In 2023, mentored and developed teams to achieve 11 individual award nominations across sales and events, while also being recognized personally as Director of the Year.
- Partner with ownership and executive leadership to execute strategic marketing, PR, and digital initiatives.
Director of Sales, Events & Marketing
Andaz San Diego
San Diego, CA
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Drove record-setting $3.7M revenue (2018–2019).
- Directed integrated marketing campaigns across digital, PR, and social platforms.
- Elevated ADR and strengthened wholesale/consortia partnerships.
- Led team to Sales Team of the Year (2018), Hotel of the Year (2018), and Director of the Year (2019).
- Implemented creative COVID-19 initiatives (Hyatt Loves Local, virtual tours, influencer collaborations).
Associate Director of Sales
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
San Diego, CA
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Oversaw 35+ sales managers and coordinators at 1,628-room property generating $200M annually.
- Achieved record-setting $88.5M revenue in 2016; Sales Team of the Year.
- Managed Washington, D.C. portfolio generating $9.6M in 2016-2017.
- Directed BT marketing and promotions, executed video marketing campaigns.
Associate Director of Sales
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
San Diego, CA
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Directed sales teams covering Major Market, Meeting Connections, BT, and Leisure, increasing revenue 25% YoY.
- Implemented SEO-focused marketing campaigns and social media promotions.
- Served as Interim DOS (Q1 2013) while exceeding group and BT sales targets.
- Consistently drove Meeting Connections team to 100%+ quota performance.
- Manager of the year (2015).
Major Market Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
San Diego, CA
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Increased market share across West Coast accounts through strategic sales calls and FAM trips.
National Sales Manager
Hilton San Diego Resort
San Diego, CA
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Developed and expanded West Coast market, driving small to large meeting growth.
- Represented brand at key tradeshows and contributed to sales training programs.
Sales Manager
Embassy Suites La Jolla
San Diego, CA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Advanced from Administrative Assistant → Catering Sales Manager → Sales Manager while completing MBA.
- Exceeded annual goals, built new markets, and successfully managed association and wedding groups.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
San Diego01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Tourism
San Diego State University
San Diego01.2005
Skills
- Strategic sales leadership
- Team leadership
- Mentoring and coaching
- Sales presentations
- Sales training
- Team development and succession planning
- Digital and social media marketing
- Revenue growth and market penetration
- Negotiation and contract management
- Client relationship management
- Brand positioning and public relations strategy
- SEO and content marketing
Awards
- Director of the Year (2023, 2019)
- 11 Team Nominations (2023) – Salesperson of the Year, Event Manager of the Year, Manager of the Year
- Hotel Team of the Year – Pritzker Award (2018)
- Sales Team of the Year (2016, 2018)
- Manager of the Year (2015) | Hyatt Leadership Award Nominee (2014)
- Elite Performer (2015) | Hyperformer (2014) | Manager of the Quarter (2013)
- Hyatt Trainer – Strength Builder (2017)
Leadership And Community Involvement
- Executive Sponsor, Women at Hyatt, 2024–2025
- Mentor, SDSU Mentor Program, 2015–2025
- Participant, Discover Mission Bay, 2022-2025
Timeline
Area Director of Sales, Events & Marketing
Hyatt Regency La Jolla & Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
01.2022 - Current
Director of Sales, Events & Marketing
Andaz San Diego
01.2018 - 01.2022
Associate Director of Sales
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
01.2016 - 01.2018
Associate Director of Sales
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
01.2012 - 01.2016
Major Market Sales Manager
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
01.2009 - 01.2012
National Sales Manager
Hilton San Diego Resort
01.2007 - 01.2009
Sales Manager
Embassy Suites La Jolla
01.2005 - 01.2007
MBA - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Tourism
San Diego State University
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